Fast Food Consumption

As lifestyles become more hectic, fast-food consumption has become a growing part of the American diet.  More than one-third of U.S. adults are obese and frequest fast-food consumption has been shown to contribute to weight gain.  

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) completed a report, Caloric Intake From Fast Food Among Adults: United States, 2007-2010, that presented the percentage of calories consumed n socifrom fast food by looking at differences in sociodemographic characteristics and weight status.

Key Findings from the Report:

• During 2007-2010, adults consumed, on average, 11.3% of their total daily calories from fast food.
• The consumption of calories from fast food significantly decreased with age.
• Non-Hispanic black adults consumed a higher percentage of calories from fast food compared with non-Hispanic white and Hispanic adults.
• No difference was observed by income status in the percentage of calories consumed from fast food among all adults.  Among young adults, however, as income increased, the percentage of calories from fast food decreased.
• The percentage of total daily calories from fast food increased as weight status increased.